A left-wing radical demonstration set to take place on May 1 this year in Berlin will follow a circular route through the city’s Neukölln district. Starting at Südstern in Kreuzberg, the route will pass through Hermannplatz, Karl-Marx-Straße, Fuldastraße, and Sonnenallee before returning to Südstern. The police have received internal assessments indicating potential unrest due to the planned route, particularly in light of past incidents on Sonnenallee following events such as the Hamas attack on Israel in October. The demonstration has been organized by a known individual, who has previously held May Day demonstrations and organized events in support of alleged RAF terrorist Daniela Klette.
Several left-wing and left-extreme alliances have called for the 6 pm demonstration, focusing on topics such as the Middle East conflict, the ban on the Palestinian prisoner network Samidoun, rising rents, the arrest of former alleged RAF terrorist Daniela Klette, and climate and environmental policies. The police anticipate multiple blocks forming during the demonstration, including anti-war, antifascist, class struggle, and feminist blocks. Concerns have been raised about potential violence, such as stone and bottle throwing, and the formation of Palestinian front blocks. Organizers have denounced the German government for increasing weapons deliveries to Israel, referencing the murders of 40,000 Palestinians. The demonstration’s poster features a woman wearing a Palestinian scarf, though there is disagreement within the left-extreme scene regarding the event’s direction.
In recent years, the May Day demonstrations have seen an increased focus on the Middle East issue, with incidents of antisemitism and the presence of groups like the Migrantifa establishing separate blocks. Amid debates on topics such as inflation and gentrification, planning meetings for this year’s “Der Preis ist heiß” demonstration have considered increasing the emphasis on climate issues. Previous May Day events have involved acts of violence and vandalism towards police and property, including the throwing of pyrotechnics, eggs, and bottles. The police expect localized disturbances again this year, passing by significant locations related to left-extreme activities such as the Neukölln district office and police buildings.
Scene observers anticipate the potential early dispersal of the demonstration to avoid police registration, with the expectation of masked individuals on rooftops igniting pyrotechnics. The presence of at least 5,500 police officers or more on the streets is anticipated, given the history of aggressive incidents in previous events. The Police will likely enforce restrictions on Palestinian-themed banners and slogans, with interpreters monitoring compliance. Experience from past events, including New Year’s Eve in Neukölln and previous May Day rallies, will inform the planning of the police operation. There are concerns over escalating tensions following recent attacks by left-extremists on right-wing activists in Leipzig, prompting fears of further violence.
